Long, Strange Trip

[Holly P]

Hello - I am really happy to be here and already feel welcome.  It's been quite a journey, nearly 50 years to get to this point...  I have spent the last 7 years in therapy trying to find out why and how I got here, and realized I should start looking at where I am going.  It's time to look forward, not backward.  I am transgendered.  It has taken a long time to say that to myself, let alone to say it here.  I am looking forward to understanding what that means to me – without the shame or the guilt or the pain that denial and anxiety have caused me for so long.  I have a million questions and not a single answer, but that doesn't matter.  There's time for that.  Today I want to stand up and reach out and clasp hands with everyone who has been where I am and say "Hallelujah! It's OK to be me".  And not to be judged. 
Above all - Peace, Holly

[V M]

Hi Holly 

Welcome to Susan's    Glad to have you here, it is okay to be you, there is no-one else you can be    This is a great place to find friends and share experiences, so join in the conversations

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Hugs

V M

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Holly,

A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.

There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in start talking and ask any question you like. You're quite safe here and we are very accepting.

Congratulations on making the best decision in your life. To be YOU. The rest is easy. You're on the downhill run to home now. You're sounding younger and no doubt feeling terrific from having that massive weight lifted off your shoulders.

Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Holly P]

Thanks Catherine!  I have been doing a lot of reading and am really amazed!  I have a lot to think about, and have just started with a gender therapist.  Don't know where this road is going but am glad to be on it - and - that I'm not alone...  (I just HATE alone)
Peace - Holly

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Holly,

Well, with a good therapist on board and reading plenty, you can't go wrong. Good work, with your attitude, you'll succeed at anything that's put in front of you.

When you look back on your journey in 12-18 months, you'll marvel at the opportunities that have presented themselves to you. This is truly THE most remarkable journey you could ever embark on. Just enjoy every moment, for what it's worth.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Devlyn]

Hi Holly, it's nice to meet you! Alone is the only word we don't have in our vocabulary here, we discarded it. Glad you found us, hugs, Devlyn

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Hi Holly,

Welcome to our little family. Over 9023 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister.


Janet 

[Jamie D]

Holly, it really is okay to be you!  Welcome from southern California.

[Holly P]

Thanks ladies!!! Devlyn, Janet, Jamie (and V M too) - It's good to be here.  Like I said I'm a newbie with lots of questions, starting with using a support family "online".  This is WONDERFUL! I am early in my process, just came out to immediate family a few months ago.  I like my therapist, and haven't had the anxiety openning up that I thought I would.  I do have so much to do, and really feel exhilirated that I have a plan, not spinning day to day out of control.   Thanks for the warm welccome one and all.  Peace, Holly